Donatella Versace is the new face of Givenchy

Most designers look to twenty-something models and actresses to front their campaigns; not Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci, who has asked 59-year-old chief designer of Versace, Donatella Versace, to be the face of his Fall 2015 collection.

Tisci posted a black and white picture of himself and Versace on Instagram on Tuesday, with the caption: “So proud and honoured to introduce my new ultimate icon: Donatella Versace… FW15 Givenchy Family Campaign MORE TO COME SOON!"

According to his hashtags, the campaign was shot by renowned fashion photographers Mert and Marcus, and styled by former Vogue Paris editor Carine Roitfeld.

Donatella Versace, Riccardo Tisci, Franca Sozzani and Naomi Campbell

Donatella Versace posted the same image on her Instagram account with the caption: “For my talented friend Riccardo, together we break fashion boundaries today.” The move is a touching declaration of the mutual respect the designers have for each other in an industry that can be extremely competitive.

Tisci has made a number of unconventional campaign casting choices since taking the helm at Givenchy in 2005, including transgender model Lea T, Kendall Jenner (in 2014, before she became fashion's go-to girl) and Julia Roberts.